Conditioned Richlands fighting off low numbers

Published: Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 08:15 AM.

RICHLANDS | The good news about this season, Richlands second-year coach Justin Snider believes, is that the Wildcats will be well-conditioned.

The bad news, however, will be that come the regular season, that conditioning will be put to the test in a big way since the 3-A Wildcats feature “around 80 to 85” players, half of whom are varsity.

“Our numbers are down this year compared to last year when we had about 98,” Snider said Friday before the Wildcats hit the field for their first practice. “We have 16 seniors, only five who have ever played significant minutes on varsity, and have just nine lettermen returning. Every team goes through this and this happens to be our year that we are young.”

Still, Snider is optimistic that endurance will benefit the Wildcats, who practiced inside because of wet field conditions. Snider made the call to go inside about 30 minutes before the start of practice, fearing injuries on a day in which helmets were the only equipment worn by players.

Richlands struggled at times late in games last year, dropping four games decided by six points or less, en route to a 3-8 record.

Additionally, the Wildcats played Havelock closer than anyone in the regular season, falling just 28-16 to the Rams. Havelock went on to win its third consecutive state 3-A title.

“I started working this group in February,” said Snider, adding that about 65 players regular attended summer workouts. “Conditioning is not going to be our concern, whereas last year at this time it was a concern.”

And while the limited number of players is an issue, Snider is hoping for a smoother season in his second year at the helm. He said things have been easier this time around.

“This time last year we were still writing plays in the playbook,” Snider said. “At this point, we are what we are and the kids know what we are. It’s easier to start working on other things that need our attention.”

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RICHLANDS | The good news about this season, Richlands second-year coach Justin Snider believes, is that the Wildcats will be well-conditioned.

The bad news, however, will be that come the regular season, that conditioning will be put to the test in a big way since the 3-A Wildcats feature “around 80 to 85” players, half of whom are varsity.

“Our numbers are down this year compared to last year when we had about 98,” Snider said Friday before the Wildcats hit the field for their first practice. “We have 16 seniors, only five who have ever played significant minutes on varsity, and have just nine lettermen returning. Every team goes through this and this happens to be our year that we are young.”

Still, Snider is optimistic that endurance will benefit the Wildcats, who practiced inside because of wet field conditions. Snider made the call to go inside about 30 minutes before the start of practice, fearing injuries on a day in which helmets were the only equipment worn by players.

Richlands struggled at times late in games last year, dropping four games decided by six points or less, en route to a 3-8 record.

Additionally, the Wildcats played Havelock closer than anyone in the regular season, falling just 28-16 to the Rams. Havelock went on to win its third consecutive state 3-A title.

“I started working this group in February,” said Snider, adding that about 65 players regular attended summer workouts. “Conditioning is not going to be our concern, whereas last year at this time it was a concern.”

And while the limited number of players is an issue, Snider is hoping for a smoother season in his second year at the helm. He said things have been easier this time around.

“This time last year we were still writing plays in the playbook,” Snider said. “At this point, we are what we are and the kids know what we are. It’s easier to start working on other things that need our attention.”